Unusual Ginkgo tree

You may already know, I love Ginkgo trees.  I pretty much have the handful of Ginkgo trees in my town mentally mapped out.  I can count them.

Ginkgo biloba tree with undivided fan leaves

I know that the Ginkgo genus is monotypic, meaning that there is only one species in the genus, Ginkgo biloba.  However, there are a number of cultivars, which are consistent variations from the normal species.  They are not distinct enough to be considered a new species, just some variations on that species.  Some of these are called "sports."  Typical Ginkgo variations include the size of the tree: some sports are grown as small shrubs or bushes, some even weeping.  I have been very interested in growing one of the small shrub types.  I have even seen a Ginkgo bonsai tree, which was wonderful.  Other variations include the leaf shape.  Some have very narrow fan shape leaves; others are curly.  Most of the Ginkgo trees that I see have the same classic look to them.  But there is one here in town that looks different.

Closer view of the small, undivided Ginkgo biloba leaves

This Ginkgo has leaves without the split in them, making the leaves just a perfect little fan shape.  Also, the leaves on this tree are quite small.  For comparison, my 3 foot tall tree has leaves that are 2-3 times larger than the largest leaves on this 15 foot tree.  The leaves are also somewhat curved, especially when they are new and first emerging.

Ginkgo biloba in front of my favorite Thai restaurant

This tree is growing in front of my favorite Thai restaurant.  I will happily go back to visit it - and have a bite to eat while I'm there.   Massaman chicken, here I come!